Shows
The Doers Of ThingsFerrill GibbsI met Ferrill Gibbs through Abe Partridge. They made this really cool podcast about the music of serpent-handling churches of the south (it's called Alabama Astronaut Podcast). Ferrill and I met up at the public library in College Station, Texas on October 23, 2022 to talk all about it. Still pretty new to the whole interviewing thing, I might have rambled on a bit, but I think I had a point. I hope you get the point. I know there's a good point to why Ferrill Gibbs is doing what he does.
2025-05-291h 06
Alabama AstronautEp 1: The Glenn Summerford Case: "The Snake Beat"In Anniston, an Alabama newspaper attributes a mystery felony to serpent handling preacher, Glenn Summerford. This claim initiates a new quest for podcasters Abe Partridge and Ferrill Gibbs, who are tipped off about this article by Andrew Hamblin, serpent handling preacher from Gray, KY.For months, Ferrill and Abe dig into this claim. In the process, they discover parts of the Summerford story do not jibe with the media coverage over the years. Coloring the way Abe views journalists on the Snake Beat is the media's treatment of Andrew and Taylor Ha...
2025-05-1342 min
Alabama AstronautForeword: The Glenn Summerford Case (by Alabama Astronaut)Over the years, Abe Partridge and Ferrill Gibbs have maintained a steady appetite for hunting the songs of the serpent handling people.New information – courtesy of a serpent handling preacher from Gray, Kentucky – diverted the fellows to an interesting trail.Abe Partridge, songwriting artist turned prolific documentarian; and Ferrill Gibbs, Murrow Award-winning podcast producer, peel back the "big stinking onion" to see what lies beneath. Meanwhile, imprisoned serpent handling believer Glenn Summerford still serves a 99 year sentence. Any day now, a fresh parole hearing comes.Abe and Ferrill's journey began in 2020, with...
2025-03-1937 min
Marked for Life29. "The Ballad of 'ol Lemonhead"A stranger, an artist and ex-fundamentalist preacher from Alabama, is interested in Cody's Signs-following songs. He reaches out."These have never been documented before," the stranger says. "Would you and Cassy mind singing a few into my handheld recorder?"A relationship begins. It leads to a Nashville-produced album of Cody and Cassy, called the "Coots Duo."(For more, the Alabama Astronaut Podcast features Abe Partridge, Ferrill Gibbs, and characters from Marked for Life in a music-related setting.)
2024-08-0422 min
Live In The LibraryAbe Partridge( https://www.abepartridge.com/press-kit)From the studio in the Chattanooga Public Library, this is a session featuring Abe Partridge who is both a visual artist and a singer and songwriter.In a profile in The Bitter Southerner, Tony Paris wrote “Partridge writes to make you sit up and think. He wants to jar your reality. Sometimes, his lyrics are sly and subtle. Sometimes they come at you with a roar and thunder, as if the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse were approaching, and the heavens were opening up to herald a warning."Together with hi...
2024-05-2157 min
Red Barn RadioAbe PartridgeAbe Partridge writes and plays to make you sit up and think. Abe's first album, Cotton Fields and Blood For Days, was released in 2018 to glowing reviews across the Americana board. Tony Paris of Bitter Southerner said" Abe plays guitar the same way he writes lyrics, bashing strings with abandon until they're just about to come loose, and then beautifully picking notes until every last word falls into place. Most recently, Partridge and co-producer Ferrill Gibbs released the Alabama Astronaut podcast, where they explore songs previously undocumented at churches in Appalachia. The podcast finds Partridge chatting with Holiness preachers an...
2023-03-2159 min
Alabama AstronautBonus Episode: Alabama Astronaut Live!This episode attempts to recreate the warmth surrounding Abe’s artist reception, "With Signs Following, featuring dozens of Abe's paintings that depict characters from the serpent handling faith. Many events described in Alabama Astronaut came alive to the soundtrack of Abe’s field recordings.Abe's art exhibit is viewable at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center until May 20th. For more information, go here!
2023-02-0224 min
Crime Writers On...True Crime ReviewAlabama AstronautEx-preacher and musician Abe Partridge went on a journey to discover songs never recorded, but passed down for generations in Appalachia. He discovered the largest repository of undocumented music were in Pentecostal churches where preachers employed the controversial practice of handling snakes. But once getting over the customs of their unconventional worship, Partridge developed a true appreciation for the people, their beliefs, and their music. He’d eventually convince a snake-handling preacher/musician and his wife to record the songs of their faith.In the podcast “Alabama Astronaut,” host Ferrill Gibbs relays Partridge’s odyssey through an often ri...
2023-01-1952 min
Alabama AstronautAlabama Astronaut Bonus Episode: The Art Show!In two weeks, January 21st! Abe and Ferrill (along with some special guests) will descend upon downtown Mobile for an artistic explosion depicting so many of the events that occurred in the podcast, Alabama Astronaut.In this episode, hear about the incredible artwork Abe has been working on for two years, and also! Catch up with the fellows. Right before New Year's Eve, Abe was named an "Entertainer of the Year" for the state of Alabama! Of course, his reaction to this was – for such an uncompromising Southern artist (that you know and love) – absolutely on p...
2023-01-0610 min
Business Side of Music#235 - The Story of a True Southern StorytellerAbe Partridge received national and international recognition in early 2018 when he released his first official full-length release, Cotton Fields and Blood For Days, to rave reviews and substantial airplay on Americana radio. It landed Partridge a lengthy feature in The Bitter Southerner and the album was chosen to be one of their "Top 30 albums of 2018." Ranging from the earthy to the surreal, from the spiritual light to the depths of depression, Partridge draws listeners in with a combination of southern gothic storytelling, dark humor, and gripping intensity. Partridge was on tour in the Netherlands and Belgium in...
2022-10-0540 minBusiness Side of Music#235 - The Story of a True Southern StorytellerAbe Partridge received national and international recognition in early 2018 when he released his first official full-length release, Cotton Fields and Blood For Days, to rave reviews and substantial airplay on Americana radio. It landed Partridge a lengthy feature in The Bitter Southerner and the album was chosen to be one of their "Top 30 albums of 2018." Ranging from the earthy to the surreal, from the spiritual light to the depths of depression, Partridge draws listeners in with a combination of southern gothic storytelling, dark humor, and gripping intensity. Partridge was on tour in the Netherlands and Belgium in...
2022-10-0540 minBusiness Side of Music#235 - The Story of a True Southern StorytellerAbe Partridge received national and international recognition in early 2018 when he released his first official full-length release, Cotton Fields and Blood For Days, to rave reviews and substantial airplay on Americana radio. It landed Partridge a lengthy feature in The Bitter Southerner and the album was chosen to be one of their "Top 30 albums of 2018." Ranging from the earthy to the surreal, from the spiritual light to the depths of depression, Partridge draws listeners in with a combination of southern gothic storytelling, dark humor, and gripping intensity. Partridge was on tour in the Netherlands and Belgium in...
2022-10-0540 min
Alabama AstronautBonus Episode 2Regarding Glenn Summerford: the serpent-handling preacher from Episode 4 found guilty of forcing his wife's hand into a box of rattlesnakes... a listener emailed with a question about his first two felonies. Her name is Sarah, and she was a public defender for over a decade in Kentucky.
2022-09-2815 min
Alabama AstronautBonus Episode 1When Abe first decided to co-produce a podcast about his music-documenting journey, he approached the serpent handlers and told them of his plans. Knowing they'd been the subject of ridicule in the past (and that they probably didn't trust him), Abe promised he would send them the podcast before it was ever released. He said they could have full editorial control. When he and Ferrill completed a draft worthy of release, Abe sent the podcast to serpent handlers Cody Coots, Cassy Coots, Andrew Hamblin and Taylor Hamblin. In return, he received a downr...
2022-09-2115 min
Alabama Astronaut"All Over Me" Part 2Abe and Ferrill prepare for an interview with Dennis Covington. Abe lists out the questions, which include a surprising claim about Loretta Lynn and her (if true) connection to the serpent handling faith. Also, Abe plans to ask the difficult question: Did Dennis Covington apologize to Old Rockhouse Holiness Church? After the in-person interview with Covington, Abe hits the road to continue strengthening his relationships with members of the faith. One day, he lands a gig at the world-famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee – a sold out show. Abe invites serpent-handling preacher Andrew Hamblin...
2022-09-141h 06
Alabama Astronaut"All Over Me" Part 1Ferrill tracks down Dennis Covington, author of Salvation on Sand Mountain, only to discover that Mr. Covington suffers from a condition brought about by his own quest for faith, detailed in a 2014 autobiography, "Revelation." Ferrill pre-interviews Covington, scheduling a day for Abe to interview the author in Lubbock, Texas. Meanwhile, Abe beelines to the bedside of Billy Summerford, preacher of Old Rockhouse Holiness Church, who is dying of cancer. At Billy’s bedside, Abe re-encounters Greg Coots, Cody’s Grandfather. Abe tells Greg about an album he’s been searching for, a recording of Greg’s...
2022-09-1453 min
Alabama Astronaut"Jesus On My Mind"Abe and Ferrill return from the Coots' recording session in Middlesboro, Ky., then conduct an extensive internet search to verify that they are truly the pioneers of recording these songs. They are surprised to discover an artist from New York named Tony Feyer, whose history with the serpent-handling faith includes documenting of one of the most legendary serpent-handling churches of all time: the Church of the Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia. Tony befriends Ferrill and Abe, and offers to share copies of DAT recordings he produced in the early 90’s. These recordings were the fruit of Tony...
2022-09-141h 03
Alabama Astronaut"Jesus Made the World"After months of corresponding with Cody and Cassy Coots, Abe decides to make a studio album for them. It's to feature serpent-handling songs that have been sung in Cody's church for generations. Abe enlists the help of host Ferrill Gibbs to record it, who travels from Houston to meet up with Abe in Birmingham, Alabama. Together, they make a beeline for Middlesboro, Kentucky, in Abe's white touring van. Once in Middlesboro, the two convert Cody’s great-grandfather’s church – Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name – into a recording studio. With a six-foot rattlesnake lounging nearby (nam...
2022-09-1457 min
Alabama Astronaut"Preach the Word, Preacher Man!"The story takes a turn. Jimmy Morrow, founder and preacher of Edwina Church of God in Jesus' Name, invites Abe into his home. Sensing that Abe has a “good spirit,” Jimmy shows Abe his poetry, art, and a comprehensive collection of serpent-handling history and lore. Afterwards, Jimmy and Pam Morrow both sing songs for Abe from their faith, a capella. Meanwhile, Abe discusses with Ferrill the idea of faith at a “cost”… and why Abe finds meaning in that. Visit the Alabama Astronaut Podcast website for more content!Alabama Astronaut Podcast website Find us on s...
2022-09-1454 min
Alabama Astronaut"Little David, Play On Your Harp!"The “calling out” of Abe (and his friends) at church services reaches a boiling point at the famed “Old Rockhouse Holiness” in Section, Alabama. It's the church where author Dennis Covington of the hit book Salvation on Sand Mountain once became a convert and handled a massive rattlesnake. Abe tells the story of the founding of the church: the infamous murder trial and conviction at the heart of it. After one service that Abe attended, with rattlesnakes in the building, the lights are shut off. In the darkness, Abe and his friend consider running out of the church...
2022-09-141h 00
Alabama Astronaut"It's Alright With Me, Lord, if It's Alright With You"As the coronavirus finally arrives in Mobile and, most detrimentally to Abe, the Mobile music scene, Abe’s gigs begin to drop. With more free time on his hands, he travels to Jackson County, Kentucky, to meet fourth-generation serpent-handling preacher Cody Coots, along with his songwriting wife, Cassy Coots. Abe conducts a field recording at their house to capture generations-old songs from the duo. A life-changing friendship begins to take root. Visit the Alabama Astronaut Podcast website for more content:Alabama Astronaut Podcast website Find us on social...
2022-09-1437 min
Alabama Astronaut"Brush Arbor"While on the road to a Panama City show, Abe tells Ferrill about his recent trip to a small church in desolate, southern West Virginia – House of the Lord Jesus. There, Abe captured audio of their worship: a blistering, rockabilly-style sound. Also, Abe tells Ferrill about a moment when Chris Wolford, the church's preacher, called out the Alabamian from the pulpit, causing Abe to recount his own days as a pastor in the mountains of east Kentucky. Visit the Alabama Astronaut Podcast website for more content!Alabama Astronaut Podcast website Find us on s...
2022-09-1436 min
Alabama Astronaut"Brush Arbor"While on the road to a Panama City show, Abe tells Ferrill about his recent trip to a small church in desolate, southern West Virginia – House of the Lord Jesus. There, Abe captured audio of their worship: a blistering, rockabilly-style sound. Also, Abe tells Ferrill about a moment when Chris Wolford, the church's preacher, called out the Alabamian from the pulpit, causing Abe to recount his own days as a pastor in the mountains of east Kentucky.Visit the Alabama Astronaut Podcast website for more content!Alabama Astronaut Podcast websiteFind us on...
2022-09-1436 min
Alabama Astronaut"Jesus on My Mind"Abe and Ferrill return from the Coots' recording session in Middlesboro, Ky., then conduct an extensive internet search to verify that they are truly the pioneers of recording these songs. They are surprised to discover an artist from New York named Tony Feyer, whose history with the serpent-handling faith includes documenting of one of the most legendary serpent-handling churches of all time: the Church of the Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia. Tony befriends Ferrill and Abe, and offers to share copies of DAT recordings he produced in the early 90’s. These recordings were the fruit of Ton...
2022-09-141h 03
Alabama Astronaut"Little David, Play On Your Harp!"The “calling out” of Abe (and his friends) at church services reaches a boiling point at the famed “Old Rockhouse Holiness” in Section, Alabama. It's the church where author Dennis Covington of the hit book Salvation on Sand Mountain once became a convert and handled a massive rattlesnake. Abe tells the story of the founding of the church: the infamous murder trial and conviction at the heart of it. After one service that Abe attended, with rattlesnakes in the building, the lights are shut off. In the darkness, Abe and his friend consider running out of the churc...
2022-09-141h 00
Alabama Astronaut"All Over Me" Part 2Abe and Ferrill prepare for an interview with Dennis Covington. Abe lists out the questions, which include a surprising claim about Loretta Lynn and her (if true) connection to the serpent handling faith. Also, Abe plans to ask the difficult question: Did Dennis Covington apologize to Old Rockhouse Holiness Church? After the in-person interview with Covington, Abe hits the road to continue strengthening his relationships with members of the faith. One day, he lands a gig at the world-famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee – a sold out show. Abe invites serpent-handling preacher Andrew Hambli...
2022-09-141h 06
Alabama Astronaut"Jesus Made the World"After months of corresponding with Cody and Cassy Coots, Abe decides to make a studio album for them. It's to feature serpent-handling songs that have been sung in Cody's church for generations. Abe enlists the help of host Ferrill Gibbs to record it, who travels from Houston to meet up with Abe in Birmingham, Alabama. Together, they make a beeline for Middlesboro, Kentucky, in Abe's white touring van. Once in Middlesboro, the two convert Cody’s great-grandfather’s church – Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name – into a recording studio. With a six-foot rattlesnake lounging nearby (na...
2022-09-1457 min
Alabama Astronaut"Preach the Word, Preacher Man"The story takes a turn. Jimmy Morrow, founder and preacher of Edwina Church of God in Jesus' Name, invites Abe into his home. Sensing that Abe has a “good spirit,” Jimmy shows Abe his poetry, art, and a comprehensive collection of serpent-handling history and lore. Afterwards, Jimmy and Pam Morrow both sing songs for Abe from their faith, a capella. Meanwhile, Abe discusses with Ferrill the idea of faith at a “cost”… and why Abe finds meaning in that. Visit the Alabama Astronaut Podcast website for more content!Alabama Astronaut Podcast websiteFind us on...
2022-09-1454 min
Alabama AstronautForewordAbe Partridge, a folk artist from Mobile, Alabama, approaches Ferrill Gibbs, a podcaster from Texas, in mid 2020. With his gigs canceled due to coronavirus, Abe spends time at serpent-handling churches across the Appalachians. He explains to Ferrill how originally, his plan was to paint the oft-ridiculed sect, but while taking in their frenetic services, he began to realize their songs were powerful, and possibly, undocumented. Abe shares audio with Ferrill of a serpent handling preacher who tied Abe's hands with a Gibson guitar strap in a worship service. Also, Ferrill draws a connection to legendary mu...
2022-09-1427 min
Alabama Astronaut"All Over Me" Part 1Ferrill tracks down Dennis Covington, author of Salvation on Sand Mountain, only to discover that Mr. Covington suffers from a condition brought about by his own quest for faith, detailed in a 2014 autobiography, "Revelation." Ferrill pre-interviews Covington, scheduling a day for Abe to interview the author in Lubbock, Texas. Meanwhile, Abe beelines to the bedside of Billy Summerford, preacher of Old Rockhouse Holiness Church, who is dying of cancer. At Billy’s bedside, Abe re-encounters Greg Coots, Cody’s Grandfather. Abe tells Greg about an album he’s been searching for, a recording of Greg’...
2022-09-1453 min
Alabama Astronaut"It's Alright With Me, Lord, if It's Alright With You"As the coronavirus finally arrives in Mobile and, most detrimentally to Abe, the Mobile music scene, Abe’s gigs begin to drop. With more free time on his hands, he travels to Jackson County, Kentucky, to meet fourth-generation serpent-handling preacher Cody Coots, along with his songwriting wife, Cassy Coots. Abe conducts a field recording at their house to capture generations-old songs from the duo. A life-changing friendship begins to take root.Visit the Alabama Astronaut Podcast website for more content:Alabama Astronaut Podcast websiteFind us on s...
2022-09-1437 min